High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation and Pregnancy: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neuromodulation
• Medical Devices
• Obstetrics

Background:

• High-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF SCS) is an emerging neuromodulation technique.
• Current guidelines recommend deactivating SCS devices during pregnancy due to limited data on fetal impact.
• The higher energy output of HF SCS raises theoretical concerns for potential adverse fetal effects.

Observation:

• A case report details a 36-year-old woman with an active HF SCS system during two pregnancies.
• The first pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage.
• The second pregnancy involved continuous HF SCS, culminating in the birth of a healthy infant.

Findings:

• The case presents both a miscarriage and a healthy birth in a patient using HF SCS.
• It remains uncertain if HF SCS contributed to the miscarriage.
• The healthy birth does not confirm the safety of HF SCS or SCS during pregnancy.

Implications:

• Further research and data collection on pregnancy outcomes with SCS, particularly HF SCS, are crucial.
• Continued caution is warranted due to unknown risks and potential delayed adverse events.
• This case underscores the need for more comprehensive studies to establish safety guidelines for neuromodulation during gestation.